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Common triggers

The lifestyle changes which can help, from desktop, to dinnertime

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What causes dry eyes

We don’t just produce tears when we’re sad, we produce them all the time in small quantities to help lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. When that goes wrong and we don’t have enough tears, dry spots can form, and bacteria can more easily invade increasing the risk of infection. Our environment and lifestyle can cause us to produce less tears or our healthy tears to evaporate too quickly. That can trigger dry eyes or cause existing dry eyes to get worse. Because of this, it’s a good idea to be aware of the common culprits in our day-to-day lives.


Triggers to watch out for

Winter weather: Shelter your eyes from windy days by wearing sunglasses and prepare for cold dry spells by using eye drops for added protection.17

Screen time: Screen time reduces our blink rate so set a timer to take regular breaks and make sure your computer is at eye level, so you aren’t straining.18,19

Low humidity: Air conditioning, dry weather and sitting next to air vents can lead to low humidity. Using a humidifier can help.20

Beauty and skincare: Some people can be sensitive to the ingredients in products such as make-up and moisturisers. Try switching to hypoallergenic alternatives.21

Contact lenses: Try switching to glasses to give your eyes a break for a few hours a day or once a week and practice good hygiene.

Medication: Certain medications can reduce mucus production – an element of our tears – such as antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers. Discuss this with your doctor before making changes.

Diet: A poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and not enough water can be dehydrating and lead to dry eyes.22

Smoking: Smoke is an irritant, so if you experience dry eyes, it’s another great excuse to ditch the habit.23

Travelling: Aeroplane cabins can be dehydrating with very dry air. Using eye drops can help avoid discomfort.24

Stress: Studies have shown that stress may play a key role in the development of dry eyes.25


Top Tips

Don’t forget about your gut flora! It’s shown to contribute towards healthy eyes, so eat a varied diet a rainbow of colours of fruit and vegetables and consider taking probiotics.


Lifestyle changes

Computer graphic with clock on screen
Take breaks from using screens26
Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses on windy days27
Clean eyes graphic
Keep your eyes clean28
Allergies graphic
Switch to hypoallergic products29
Graphic of a person sleeping in bed
Get plenty of sleep30
Healthy food
Eat a varied diet31
Graphic of broom sweeping up dust
Avoid dry, dusty or smoky places32
Alcohol
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake33
Graphic of air conditioning
Limit time near air vents or air conditioning34

Top Tips

Some common medicines, including those for allergies, blood pressure and nasal congestion, as well as antidepressants, can lead to dry eyes. A simple change of treatment can help but speak to your doctor first.


Try to minimise your time in air-conditioned rooms without natural ventilation and motor vehicles, if you can.


Cationorm® is a first-of-a-kind eye drop that acts like the body’s natural tears to provide long-lasting relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes. Kind to even sensitive eyes, Cationorm® is preservative free and is suitable for contact lens wearers. Always read the label.

Try Cationorm®
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Risk factors

Medical conditions and hormonal changes such as Menopause can result in eyes becoming dry. Read our info on what medical conditions could be risk factors for dry eyes.

Read more

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